Allergic Reactions on Skin

May 13, 2008

by Syahrul Azlan

Skin irritations and allergic reactions are sometimes serious, and most of the time, uncomfortable forms of allergic disorder. It is caused by a reaction in the immune system and can take different forms, with different causes. The most common skin irritations and allergic reactions today are atopic dermatitis, angioedema, allergic contact dermatitis and urticaria.

Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a skin irritation manifested by intense itchiness which has the tendency of scratching, resulting to lesions which will cause bacterial or viral infections. This would scale and flake later on. It usually affects the face, elbows, and knees. Emotional and physical stress, allergens, sensitivity to foods, soaps, pets, wool and other agents that came in contact with are the common triggers. In treating this, identifying the antigen is vital.

Deeper skin layers swelling without itchiness or redness is a characteristic of angioedema, which is related with hives at times. It usually occurs in soft tissue like the mouth, genitals, and eyelids.

Urticaria is hives and is red and very itchy. The swelling of the skin on the body ranges in size, and may appear anywhere on the body. Acute cases of hives are associated with viral infections, food, drugs or latex which can go away with or without medical intervention or removal of the trigger. In fact, there are some people who suffer from chronic hives practically everyday, for months and years. The trigger for these people may be various circumstances like scratching, pressure and nerves where the elimination of the trigger does not have much effect on the course of the allergy.

Another type is allergic contact dermatitis; poison ivy is the most common cause of this reaction along with other triggers like cosmetics, medications, metals and some plants. It usually begins two days after the contact with allergen causing red, itchy and inflamed skin, with blisters sometimes.

It is possible to treat allergic contact dermatitis by scrubbing the affected area with soap and water after its exposure to the allergen. Sometimes it may be necessary to take some prescribed antihistamine and cortisone medications, depending on the severity of the skin condition.

Some herbal plants are effective in treating skin irritations and allergic reactions such as Jewel Weed and Wild Pansy. St. Johns Wort and Witch Hazel has astringent effect that relieves itchiness and rashes. Witch Hazel is also good treatment for sunburn.

Lastly aloe vera which produces the anti inflammatory, anti bacterial and anti fungal properties which used for minor skin irritations. These herbs are best remedies for skin irritations and allergic reactions.

About the Author:

Author Azlan can help you with your allergic reactions to bee sting. For allergic reactions to bee sting help get his free report on allergic reactions

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